Watch Taras Bulba

Taras Bulba is a 1962 adventure film directed by J. Lee Thompson, starring Tony Curtis, Yul Brynner, and Christine Kaufmann. The movie is set in the 16th century in the Cossack Ukraine region. The story revolves around Taras Bulba, a Cossack leader who leads his warriors in a fight against Polish forces. Taras's two sons, Andriy and Ostap, fight alongside him, but the younger son, Ostap, is taken captive by the Poles. Taras's desire to reunite with his son and the struggle against the invaders make up the central themes of the movie.

The film opens with a scene showcasing Taras Bulba riding into a dark forest with his horsemen. He comes across a young woman, Natalia, who is seeking refuge and protection from the Cossacks. Taras's men are initially reluctant to offer her much help, but Taras intervenes and allows her to travel their path. As they ride away from the forest, Taras is soon introduced to his son's love interest, a Polish princess named Elena.

The movie showcases the power struggle between the Polish kingdom and the Cossacks, who are determined to maintain their independence. Taras Bulba is depicted as a strong, fearless leader, who is fiercely loyal to his people and his sons, Andriy and Ostap.

As Taras and his warriors engage in battles with the Polish army, Taras's younger son, Ostap, is captured by a group of Polish soldiers. Taras's love for his son is unfathomable, and he is determined to rescue him from Polish captivity. In the meantime, Taras's elder son, Andriy, falls in love with the Polish princess, Elena.

The movie's climax comes as Taras and his troops march towards the city of Dubno, where Ostap is being held. The Cossacks launch a fierce attack, which results in Taras finally being reunited with his son. The Cossacks are victorious, but the cost is high, and the movie ends on a poignant note.

The performances of the leading cast are not only outstanding, but also highly charged with emotions. Tony Curtis plays the role of Taras Bulba with great intensity, making the viewer sympathize with his character's plight. Yul Brynner's portrayal of the charismatic Cossack leader gives a sense of sheer grandeur to the movie. Christine Kaufmann is also remarkable as the love interest of both sons, who is torn between two worlds.

The movie's background score is simply astounding, with the soundtrack capturing the grandeur, heroism, and emotions of the movie's characters superbly. The cinematography, at the time of its release, was considered to be groundbreaking, with the scenes of fight sequences giving off an authentic feel and adding up to the movie's grandeur.

In conclusion, Taras Bulba is a classic adventure movie that holds its own even today. With stunning cinematography, awe-inspiring performances, and an excellent background score, it is a movie that stands the test of time. The viewer is taken on a tour of a bygone era, where the Cossacks fought fiercely against the Polish armies to preserve their culture and identity. Even though the movie is set in the 16th century, its themes resonate with modern audiences, making it a timeless classic that should be watched over and over again.

Taras Bulba is a 1962 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.